BROOKVILLE, N.Y. - Honor, courage, commitment. Three simple words that carry a powerful message. You may recognize this series of adjectives as the slogan for the United States Marine Corps, but there is no better way to describe 2013 LIU Post women's lacrosse alumna, Bridgett Soares.
 
Courage
 
When Soares first stepped on campus in the fall of 2009, those closest to her probably never would have guessed that she would be lifting multiple Division II National Championship trophies as a member of the women's lacrosse program. Soares had never played lacrosse before coming to LIU Post, as she was a standout track & field athlete at Yuma High School in Arizona. That did not stop Soares from pursuing something new, however, and during that first semester she approached head coach Meghan McNamara and asked for a chance to try out for the team.
 
"She just walked into my office and told me she wanted to be part of our team, just like that," McNamara told the NCAA in 2013. The Pioneers were already in the middle of their fall season, and Soares was thrown into the fire to see what she could handle.
 
Commitment
 
It quickly became apparent that nothing was going to stop her from accomplishing her goal of becoming a member of the team. During her freshman year, she appeared in eight games, recording one ground ball and one caused turnover.
 
Throughout her first two seasons, Soares spent countless hours working with her teammates and McNamara to improve her stick skills and overall skill set as a defender.
 
By her junior season, Soares was a leader on the team, starting in 16 of the team's 18 contests, including the 2012 National Championship game when the Pioneers defeated West Chester University, 17-16, to claim their third national title in program history. 
 
"There is an energy she brings that cannot be duplicated.  She expected more from herself, and I think her team fed off of that.  Bridgett was an absolute beast in our strength and speed work together.  I never had to ask for more, she gave all she had every second," remarked Strength and Conditioning Coach Martin Guillet.
 
Soares went on to start all 20 contests for LIU Post during the 2013 season, helping to lead the Pioneers to the fifth undefeated season in Division II history and the team's second-consecutive National Championship. Soares was named the team's Most Outstanding Defensive Player that season and was one of nine finalists for the prestigious NCAA Woman of the Year award.
 
Honor
 
For most, closing out their career with an undefeated season and a National Championship would be the highlight of their senior year. Not for Soares.
 
The NCAA Division II Tournament began on Saturday, May 11. One day prior, Soares graduated from LIU Post with a bachelor's degree in criminal justice and the United States Marine Corps commissioned her as a second lieutenant.
 
"Bridgett truly embodies what it means to be a 'Pioneer'", acknowledged LIU Post Director of Athletics Debbie DeJong. "Following her graduation, she traded in her lacrosse uniform for her Cammies and Dress Blues and has carried a tradition of excellence far beyond LIU Post. We are very proud to have her as a Pioneer alum."
 
Both of her parents, Ronald and Kim, were enlisted in the Marine Corps. Soares knew in high school already that she wanted to follow in their footsteps and join the Marines. As a senior in high school, Soares wanted to enlist and join the Marines immediately after graduation. Her parents balked at her missing out on a college education, and Soares enrolled at LIU Post and attended Officer Candidate School (OCS) during the summers following her freshman and junior years.
 
Following her commissioning, Soares attended The Basic School in Quantico, Va. where she was designated the Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) 5803, meaning she was assigned as a military police officer that oversaw law enforcement members of the military team of enlisted and civilian law enforcement professionals.  In 2015, Soares received orders to Okinawa, Japan, where she had the opportunity to deploy platoon-sized elements to five different countries and fill an individual Augment Billet in the Middle East.

Throughout her military career, Soares has held many positions, including Platoon Commander, Military Police Detachment Officer-in-Charge, and Company Executive Officer.
 
"The various billets and duties I have held have allowed me to enhance my operational and administrative knowledge. I have planned and executed Field Training Exercises and live-fire ranges, ensuring the safe training and timely logistical movement of both Marines and equipment. I have conducted Force Protection Assessments of ports and bases and done liaison work with Coalition Military Partners and Host Nation Law Enforcement. I have worked with the various staff sections and specialized enabler sections within a Law Enforcement Battalion such as Military Working Dogs, Detention Operations, and Criminal Investigation Division," explained Soares.
 
During her most recent deployment, Soares completed an assignment at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait where she worked security and protection for the Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve, an operation targeted to defeat ISIS.
 
"While fulfilling this billet, I had the opportunity to work in a joint environment and with our Coalition Partners. It was great to be able to have a hand in mitigating the risks our forces face in both Iraq and Syria," noted Soares.
 
Captain
 
"Bridgett was a tremendous teammate and became an immediate leader to our program," said McNamara. Her leadership was recognized by the Pioneer coaching staff during her senior season when she was named a team captain for the National Champion squad.
 
Soares' leadership continues to this day, as she was recently promoted to Captain, the third level in the USMC ranks.
 
"LIU Post had a huge impact on me and still does till this day. I continue to talk to my old coaches and teammates, they're lifelong friends and helped me develop into the leader I am today," shared Soares. "Without their guidance and mentorship, I probably wouldn't be where I am today."
 
"She taught us all about pride, loyalty, and toughness, while her perspective on all facets of life helped bond the team. Her willingness to push through all obstacles and make sacrifices for the best of our country speaks volumes to the character that Bridgett upholds," prided McNamara.
 
Following the promotion, Soares will be moving to Providence, R.I. where she will serve as a recruiter for the Marines.
 
"She is a legacy," proclaimed McNamara.